As Arsenal gears up for their highly anticipated match against PSG, manager Mikel Arteta has shared some insights regarding the condition of defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian player has been making waves since joining the club and recently started his second match during Arsenal’s impressive 4-2 victory over Leicester City.
A Thrilling Victory
In that match, the Gunners showcased their resilience, needing two stoppage-time goals to clinch the win after Leicester managed to equalize.
It was a thrilling encounter, but the excitement was tinged with concern when Calafiori landed awkwardly while challenging for a header against Odsonne Edouard in the dying moments of the game.
He was later seen in tears, wearing a knee brace, which raised alarms among fans and the coaching staff.
Positive News from Arteta
Despite the worrying scene, Arteta provided a glimmer of hope regarding Calafiori’s fitness.
The manager noted that both Calafiori and Ben White, who missed the Leicester match due to injury, might be available for the showdown with PSG, pending further medical evaluations.
“Those are the two players in contention, and we have to review today,” Arteta mentioned during his pre-match press conference.
On Calafiori’s situation, Arteta elaborated, “We didn’t have a training session yesterday. Obviously, he was a bit emotional after the game, and let’s see how he is today.”
Calafiori has made a significant impact since his transfer from Bologna, even netting a goal in the fiery 2-2 draw against Manchester City last week.
Facing the French Champions
With the Champions League campaign underway, Arsenal is eager to secure their first win of the season at home against the formidable French champions.
Arteta expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming challenge, stating, “Everybody is looking forward to it.”
He acknowledged that the group stage presents a different atmosphere this season and that facing PSG will be a true test of their abilities.
Arteta emphasized the importance of the match, saying, “This is probably the highest level that you can face in European football.
It’s a great opportunity for us to see how we handle these nights, how prepared we are, and how we can impose ourselves in this context.”
The Challenge Ahead
Arteta didn’t shy away from praising PSG’s prowess on the field, highlighting their ability to dominate play.
“They have a very clear intention of how they want to control the game, both with and without the ball.
They are really aggressive and confrontational,” he noted.
As Arsenal prepares for the encounter, Arteta remains focused on the goal at hand.
“Of course, we want to win the game. After the draw in Atalanta, it’s crucial given the number of games left in the competition. Nothing will be decided tomorrow, but it’s an important step.”